Maybe you’re disappointed that you didn’t get a promotion you were up for or concerned that money is a little tight this month because of an unexpected medical bill. Feeling stressed is a natural reaction. But try to take a step back and ask yourself: Will this issue still matter in a year? In five years? If the answer is no, take a deep breath and try to move forward. Keeping things in perspective is crucial to managing stress
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Enjoy lunch in peace: Whatever you do, don’t eat lunch at your desk. One of the worst things you can do is work through your lunch. Set aside at least 25 minute when you are free of tasks to enjoy a nutritious meal. This will give your mind the ability to reset and refresh itself while you are enjoying your favorite healthy meal.
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When you get stressed, your amygdala hijacks the brain into a state of readiness for fighting or fleeing—the fight-or-flight response). This is because the stressors our ancestors faced were more acute and physical (like a prowling lion). When you start to go into “fight-or-flight,” your breathing gets more shallow, your heart beats faster, and your muscles get tense. This response is generally quite rapid and is caused by surges of adrenalin and cortisol coursing through your body. If you practice watching for the first signs of stress (like your shoulders tensing), you can catch the response early in the process, before your brain is completely hijacked.
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Being outdoors can offer a much-needed break from the mayhem of everyday life. Research indicates that spending time outside may also be associated with increased vitality. So whether it’s gardening, taking pictures, or just walking around, get out there and smell the roses (really!).
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| It’s not healthy to avoid a stressful situation that needs to be addressed, but you may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate. |
| Learn how to say “no.” Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress. Distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts” and, when possible, say “no” to taking on too much. |
| Avoid people who stress you out. If someone consistently causes stress in your life, limit the amount of time you spend with that person, or end the relationship. |
| Take control of your environment. If the evening news makes you anxious, turn off the TV. If traffic makes you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If going to the market is an unpleasant chore do your grocery shopping online. |
| Pare down your to-do list. Analyze your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you’ve got too much on your plate, drop tasks that aren’t truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them entirely. |
Chronic stress can wear down the body’s natural defenses, leading to a variety of physical symptoms, including the following:
